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Japan Airlines scrubs Helsinki launch amid Dreamliner woes

The down-the-line effects of Boeing's Dreamliner woes continue to pile up for its airlines. The latest comes from Tokyo, where Japan Airlines today announced that it is suspending the launch of its new

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The down-the-line effects of Boeing's Dreamliner problems continue to pile up for the aircraft's airline customers.

The latest comes from Tokyo, where Japan Airlines announced today (Feb. 4) it will suspend the launch of its new Tokyo-Helsinki route that was to have launched in just three weeks (Feb. 21). JAL had planned use its Dreamliner jets to fly four flights a week on that route.

Yet all of Boeing's Dreamliners remain grounded indefinitely while regulators try to figure out what has caused battery problems on the jet. And it's uncertain when the 787 will be cleared to fly again, with some industry observers wondering if a fix may still be months away.

Given that backdrop, JAL says it has decided to postpone the Helsinki route. The carrier says it's doing so "in view of necessary adjustments to JAL's international routes utilizing the Boeing 787 aircraft since Jan. 16, 2013."

JAL adds "the rescheduled date of opening of JAL's Narita-Helsinki service will be announced at a later time and customers with confirmed reservations on concerned flights will be informed about alternative options.

"JAL apologizes to all customers and related parties for the inconvenience and concerns caused as a result of recent issues with the 787 fleet," the carrier adds in its statement announcing the postponement of the Helsinki route.